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Ford Bronco

Ford's first SUV: introduced for 1966, reborn for 2021 after 25 years away.1

Researched October 30, 2026 from 32 sources

Also called

  • halfcabThe Bronco community's name for the Sports Utility model.2
  • Project ShorthornDevelopment codename for the second-generation Bronco.1

At a glance

Layout
Front-engine, four-wheel drive; body-on-frame1
Gearbox
Classic: 3-5-speed manual, 3/4-speed auto; modern: 7-speed manual/10-speed auto137
Built at
Michigan Truck Plant, United States; third gen also Broadmeadows, Australia1
Units built
225,585 first-generation Broncos2

The story

Designed to face the Jeep CJ-5 and International Scout, Ford's compact 1966-1977 Bronco combined its own chassis, standard four-wheel drive and a coil-sprung front axle.1

1965: 1966 Bronco: Ford's first SUV19651973: C4 automatic joins the original19731978: The Bronco grows to full size19781980: Twin-Traction Beam changes the front end19801988: Fuel injection reaches the 5.8 L19881996: The full-size Bronco bows out19962021: Sixth generation ends a 25-year wait20212022: Raptor: 418 hp on 37-inch tires20222023: Heritage Limited: 1,966 examples2023 Ford Bronco (second generation) (U150): 1978–1979Ford Bronco (third generation): 1980–1986Ford Bronco (fourth generation): 1987–1991Ford Bronco (fifth generation): 1992–1996Ford Expedition: Introduced 1996Ford Expedition 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones123
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1978–1979Ford Bronco (second generation) (U150)
1980–1986Ford Bronco (third generation)
1987–1991Ford Bronco (fourth generation)
1992–1996Ford Bronco (fifth generation)
Introduced 1996Ford Expedition
19651966 Bronco: Ford's first SUV
1973C4 automatic joins the original
1978The Bronco grows to full size
1980Twin-Traction Beam changes the front end
1988Fuel injection reaches the 5.8 L
1996The full-size Bronco bows out
2021Sixth generation ends a 25-year wait
2022Raptor: 418 hp on 37-inch tires
2023Heritage Limited: 1,966 examples
  1. 1965

    1966 Bronco: Ford's first SUV

    Launched in August for 1966, the compact original offers wagon, half-cab pickup and roadster bodies, with a 105-hp 170ci inline-six.1

  2. 1973

    C4 automatic joins the original

    For 1973, the Bronco adds a C4 automatic and a 200ci inline-six. Its Dana 44 front axle had replaced the Dana 30 in 1971.13

  3. 1978

    The Bronco grows to full size

    The full-size second generation adopts F-100 bones and a 104-inch wheelbase, with NP205 part-time 4WD or optional NP203 full-time 4WD.13

  4. 1980

    Twin-Traction Beam changes the front end

    The third generation sheds weight and adopts Twin-Traction Beam independent front suspension; a chain-driven aluminum NP208 replaces the iron transfer cases.12

  5. 1988

    Fuel injection reaches the 5.8 L

    The 5.8 L V8 gets 210-hp EFI and a five-speed option. During this generation, towing reaches 3493 kg and the E4OD automatic arrives for 1990.23

  6. 1996

    The full-size Bronco bows out

    Full-size production ends on June 12, 1996, at Michigan Truck Plant; the four-door Expedition replaces the two-door Bronco.12

  7. 2021

    Sixth generation ends a 25-year wait

    The Bronco returns with two- and four-door bodies. The First Edition brings Sasquatch hardware, including 35-inch tires and front and rear lockers.14

  8. 2022

    Raptor: 418 hp on 37-inch tires

    The four-door Raptor brings a twin-turbo 3.0 L V6, 418 hp and 37-inch tires. Testing records 5.6 seconds to 60 mph.5

  9. 2023

    Heritage Limited: 1,966 examples

    The Heritage Edition revives a white roof and grille with red FORD lettering; the 330-hp Heritage Limited is capped at 1966 units.6

Every generation

  • Ford Bronco (second generation)
    U1501978–1979
  • Ford Bronco (third generation)
    Ford Bronco (third generation)1980–1986
  • Ford Bronco (fourth generation)
    Ford Bronco (fourth generation)1987–1991
  • Ford Bronco (fifth generation)
    Ford Bronco (fifth generation)1992–1996
  • Ford Expedition
    Ford ExpeditionIntroduced 1996

Power over the years

From 105 hp to 418 hp in 56 years.

0200400600 197019801990200020102020 hp 1966 · 105 hp · 170ci inline-six1966 · 200 hp · 289ci V8 option1978 · 156 hp · 5.8 L 351M V81978 · 158 hp · 6.6 L 400 V81984 · 210 hp · 351W four-barrel1985 · 190 hp · 5.0 L EFI1987 · 150 hp · 4.9 L inline-six, EFI1996 · 205 hp · Eddie Bauer 5.8 L V82021 · 315 hp · First Edition 2.7 L V6, 10-speed auto2022 · 300 hp · Badlands 2.3 L, 7-speed manual2022 · 330 hp · Optional 2.7 L twin-turbo V62022 · 418 hp · Raptor 3.0 L twin-turbo V6 418 hp Raptor 3.0 L twin-turbo V6 105 hp 170ci inline-six
1234589
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1966105170ci inline-six
1966200289ci V8 option
19781565.8 L 351M V8
19781586.6 L 400 V8
1984210351W four-barrel
19851905.0 L EFI
19871504.9 L inline-six, EFI
1996205Eddie Bauer 5.8 L V8
2021315First Edition 2.7 L V6, 10-speed auto
2022300Badlands 2.3 L, 7-speed manual
2022330Optional 2.7 L twin-turbo V6
2022418Raptor 3.0 L twin-turbo V6

Versions

9 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • U130 Roadster / U140 pickup / U150 Wagon

    Standard

    U130 Roadster / U140 pickup / U150 Wagon

    1966–1977

  • Sport and Ranger (first generation)

    Standard

    Sport and Ranger (first generation)

  • Base through Wildtrak

    Standard

    Base through Wildtrak

    2021

  • Raptor

    Performance

    Raptor

    2022

    418 hp
  • Free Wheeling, Silver Anniversary, Nite and XLT Sport

    Special

    Free Wheeling, Silver Anniversary, Nite and XLT Sport

  • Special

    Everglades

    2022

    300 hp

  • Special

    Heritage Edition and Heritage Limited Edition

    2023

  • Limited

    First Edition

    2021

    315 hp
  • Stroppe Edition

    Limited

    Stroppe Edition

    2025

    330 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • Original Bronco: flat glass and straight C-section bumpers.1
  • Original Bronco: rear wheel openings were not fully cut out at the factory.3
  • 1978–1996: pickup-like front bodywork with a removable rear half hardtop.1
  • Modern Bronco: frameless door windows and mirrors mounted at the windshield base.4

Year by year

  1. 1967–1969

    Back-up lights arrived in 1967 and side markers in 1968; larger amber front lamps followed for 1969.13

  2. 1977

    Exterior fuel caps moved behind hinged filler doors.1

  3. 1978–1979

    1978 brought the larger F-Series-based body; Custom had round lights, Ranger XLT rectangles. All 1979 Broncos used rectangles.1

  4. 1987

    The fourth generation adopted a more aerodynamic front end.2

  5. 1992

    New front-end styling and a fresh instrument panel distinguish this update.2

  6. 2021

    The revived Bronco offers two or four doors, removable roof and doors, and frameless door glass.14

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Ford Bronco
    Bronco
    Photo of a Ford Bronco II
    Ford Bronco II

    Ford Bronco II

    The 1984–1990 Bronco II is compact; the contemporary Bronco is full-size, so compare overall bulk.1

  • Photo of a Ford Bronco
    Bronco
    Photo of a Ford Bronco Sport
    Ford Bronco Sport

    Ford Bronco Sport

    The Sport is the compact crossover; the revived Bronco is midsize, with a roof and doors that can be removed.14

  • Photo of a Ford Bronco
    Bronco
    Photo of a Jeep Wrangler
    Jeep Wrangler

    Jeep Wrangler

    Wrangler has exposed hinges and framed door glass. Bronco has concealed hinges, frameless glass and mirrors at the windshield base.4

Against its rivals

Prices

Value today $24.3K–$52.0K820

Price when newAuction saleValue todayPrices on a log scale
$1K$10K$100K$1M 197019801990200020102020 Value today: $24,250–$52,000 1966 · $2,194 · US base1971 · $5,566 · US base, Baja1978 · $10,065 · US as tested, Ranger XLT1991 · $21,125 · US XLT, window sticker1996 · $32,360 · US Eddie Bauer, window sticker2021 · $29,995 · US base, two-door2022 · $48,185 · US base, 4-door Badlands2022 · $54,595 · US base, Everglades2022 · $70,095 · US base, Raptor2023 · $66,895 · US base, Heritage Limited 1966 · $2,194 · US base price, 1966 model year 2020 · $90,000 · 1991 XLT, 29 miles, Bring a Trailer2024 · $190,400 · 1974 Custom, Coyote V8, Arizona 20242024 · $22,000 · 1996 Eddie Bauer, Bring a Trailer2025 · $9,300 · 1979 Custom, 44k miles shown, TMU, BaT2025 · $23,685 · 1985 4x4 4-speed, 14k miles shown, BaT2025 · $65,064 · 2023 Raptor, 12k miles, BaT2026 · $24,250 · 1996 Eddie Bauer, 143k miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $52,000 · 1966 289 wagon, true mileage unknown, Bring a Trailer2026 · $41,500 · 1966 289, 15k miles shown, rolled odometer, BaT2026 · $40,810 · 2021 First Edition V6 4-door, 37k miles, BaT2026 · $105,010 · 1971 Stroppe Baja ex-Rod Hall, 10k miles shown, BaT2026 · $12,650 · 1989 XLT, 6k miles shown, rolled odometer, BaT2026 · $19,750 · 1995 XLT, 95k miles, BaT $190.4K Arizona 2024, 2024
15678911172021222526272829303132
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1966Launch price$2,194US base price, 1966 model year
1966Price when new$2,194US base
1971Price when new$5,566US base, Baja
1978Price when new$10,065US as tested, Ranger XLT
1991Price when new$21,125US XLT, window sticker
1996Price when new$32,360US Eddie Bauer, window sticker
2021Price when new$29,995US base, two-door
2022Price when new$48,185US base, 4-door Badlands
2022Price when new$54,595US base, Everglades
2022Price when new$70,095US base, Raptor
2023Price when new$66,895US base, Heritage Limited
2020Auction sale$90,0001991 XLT, 29 miles, Bring a Trailer
2024Auction sale$190,4001974 Custom, Coyote V8, Arizona 2024
2024Auction sale$22,0001996 Eddie Bauer, Bring a Trailer
2025Auction sale$9,3001979 Custom, 44k miles shown, TMU, BaT
2025Auction sale$23,6851985 4x4 4-speed, 14k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$65,0642023 Raptor, 12k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$24,2501996 Eddie Bauer, 143k miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$52,0001966 289 wagon, true mileage unknown, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$41,5001966 289, 15k miles shown, rolled odometer, BaT
2026Auction sale$40,8102021 First Edition V6 4-door, 37k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$105,0101971 Stroppe Baja ex-Rod Hall, 10k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$12,6501989 XLT, 6k miles shown, rolled odometer, BaT
2026Auction sale$19,7501995 XLT, 95k miles, BaT
2026Value today$24,250–$52,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 9 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “1969: Baja 1000's only stock 4x4 overall winner”
    • “Big Oly's tube frame and Baja double”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 32 sources
  1. Ford Bronco - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. The Bronco At 50: A History Of Ford’s Trail Pony motortrend.com
  3. Old Ford Bronco Buyer’s Guide: History, Generations, Specifications, and FAQs motortrend.com
  4. 2021 Ford Bronco vs. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Comparison Test Review: 4x4 Face-Off motortrend.com
  5. Tested: 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Lives Up to the Hype caranddriver.com
  6. 2023 Ford Bronco Heritage Edition: Everything You Need to Know roadandtrack.com
  7. Which 2021 Ford Bronco 2-Door and 4-Door Trim Level Is Best? motortrend.com
  8. 1996 Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $24,250 on May 3, 2026 (Lot #240,738) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  9. 2022 Ford Bronco Badlands Long-Term Road Test: 40,000-Mile Wrap-Up caranddriver.com
  10. 2025 Ford Bronco Gets Sunset-Like Free Wheeling Package caranddriver.com
  11. Tested: 2022 Ford Bronco Everglades Is Ready to Get Wet caranddriver.com
  12. Bill Stroppe 1971-1975 Baja Bronco's - Blue Oval Trucks blueovaltrucks.com
  13. 2025 Ford Bronco Stroppe Edition Is Inspired by Famous Baja Racer caranddriver.com
  14. DESIGN HISTORY | FORD BRONCO - Auto&Design autodesignmagazine.com
  15. This Is What It's Like To Ride In The 1969 Baja 1000-Winning Ford Bronco jalopnik.com
  16. Parnelli Jones - SCORE International score-international.com
  17. Tested: 1978 Ford Bronco Takes the SUV Out of the Dark Ages caranddriver.com
  18. Forza Horizon 5 Unveils New Gameplay and Cover Cars at gamescom 2021 - XBOX Wire news.xbox.com
  19. Bronco DR, Ranger Raptor Conquer 2024 Score Baja 1000 fromtheroad.ford.com
  20. 1966 Ford Bronco 289 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $52,000 on October 3, 2026 (Lot #266,507) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  21. 1974 Ford Bronco Custom | Arizona 2024 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  22. A 1991 Ford Bronco With 29 Miles Just Sold for $90,000 thedrive.com
  23. Ford Bronco For Sale - BaT Auctions bringatrailer.com
  24. Ford Bronco Common Problems - Haynes Manuals – Haynes Manuals North America us.haynes.com
  25. No Reserve: 1979 Ford Bronco Custom for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $11,750 on October 6, 2025 (Lot #213,479) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  26. 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $65,064 on July 8, 2025 (Lot #199,654) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  27. Ex–Rod Hall 1971 Ford Bronco Bill Stroppe Baja for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $105,010 on July 24, 2026 (Lot #254,000) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. Five-Decades-Family-Owned 1966 Ford Bronco 289 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $41,500 on September 27, 2026 (Lot #265,271) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. 2021 Ford Bronco First Edition V6 4-Door for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $40,810 on August 19, 2026 (Lot #258,605) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: 1989 Ford Bronco XLT for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,650 on July 22, 2026 (Lot #253,713) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 1995 Ford Bronco XLT for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $19,750 on July 3, 2026 (Lot #250,654) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. 1985 Ford Bronco 4×4 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $23,685 on September 20, 2025 (Lot #210,984) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • motortrend.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • roadandtrack.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • blueovaltrucks.com
  • autodesignmagazine.com
  • jalopnik.com
  • score-international.com
  • news.xbox.com
  • fromtheroad.ford.com
  • rmsothebys.com
  • thedrive.com
  • us.haynes.com

Photo credits

Other car files